Natural Attractions
Activity 3
Activity 3Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands, has an area of about 76 square miles and is approximately 22 miles long with an average width of four miles. The island is low-lying, with the highest point about 60 feet above sea level.
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is mainly composed of limestone, and there are no rivers on the island. Since little or no water from the land runs into the surrounding seas, the sea water has an unusually pure and clear quality, which adds to the appeal of the destination.
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
All three islands are surrounded by healthy coral reefs, which lie at the top of dramatic walls and drop-offs close to shore, creating ideal conditions for diving, one of the most popular activities in Grand Cayman. Between the Cayman Islands and Jamaica lies the deepest part of the Caribbean, the Cayman Trough, which is over four miles deep.
There is no doubt that for many tourists visiting Grand Cayman, the main attractions are the beaches that surround the island and the warm, clear waters of the Caribbean Sea that provide the opportunity for diving and other water-based activities.
British Airways - Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
Most beaches are accessible to the public and many of the hotels provide direct access on to beaches for their guests. By far the most impressive beach is Seven Mile Beach, along which most of the accommodation can be found. The beach is said to be one of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean.
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
Seven Mile Beach is public property, and it is possible to walk the full length past many hotels and villas. There are restaurants open to the public at most of the resorts, and several public beach bars. There are few restrictions on use of the beach. BBQ's are allowed.
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
Seven Mile Beach is public property, and it is possible to walk the full length past many hotels and villas. There are restaurants open to the public at most of the resorts, and several public beach bars. There are few restrictions on use of the beach. BBQ's are allowed.
Below is what the World Travel Guide has to say about Seven Mile Beach.
Seven Mile Beach - Grand Cayman
Caribbean
'A visitor could conceivably come to Grand Cayman and never leave Seven Mile Beach. Some consider the beach the best in the Caribbean. On Seven Mile Beach, there is an overwhelming temptation to just relax: stretch out on a lounge chair, let the silky, white, powdery sand run through your fingers, watch the calm, crystal waters slide to the shore and feel the soft sea breezes brush your skin. Snorkelling is good at Cemetery Reef at the beach's north end. Although the shore can get pretty crowded in some spots, the ambiance will not be disturbed by trinket and basket sellers. And forget the seven mile name tag. It is really only 9km (5.5 miles) long.'
In fact, some tourists do visit Grand Cayman and spend much of their time on Seven Mile Beach and the resort hotels which border it.
Grand Cayman
Information about other beaches around the coast of Grand Cayman can be accessed from the link below.
Grand Cayman
In addition to the beaches, the sea surrounding Grand Cayman must be considered as one of the most important natural attractions because the Caribbean Sea is warm throughout the year. It is relatively calm compared to some areas with few dangerous currents. The shallow seas around Grand Cayman contain many coral reefs, which in turn create idea conditions for diving. Grand Cayman has a reputation as one of the best diving areas in the world.
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
Divers can choose from a multitude of dive sites. With 286 sites including steep, deep walls covered with sponges and corals in a stunning array of colours; shallow reefs filled with many sea creatures as well as the wrecks of different vessels and curious marine residents. The Department of Tourism's Dive 365 will introduce 79 more additional dive sites over the next 3 years, divers will be able to dive a different site everyday of the year.
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
Stingray City in the North Sound of Grand Cayman is thought to be one of the best dives in the world.
Grand Cayman's reefs offer a stunning variety of marine life encounters. Knowing that divers pose no threat, marine life is unafraid and continues to go about its daily routine.
Grand Cayman
Caribbean
Grand Cayman
Caribbean